Shimano presents a new XTR rear derailleur RD-M972, developed with the revolutionary “Shadow” technology that was introduced recently in the new Deore XT group. “Shadow” realizes an extra thin profile to minimize the chance of getting hit by a rock. A tree trunk. Or whatever else lies waiting on the trail.

The Shadow derailleur is 11-18 mm smaller than a conventional derailleur and it has a much thinner profile than any other rear derailleur in the market.

Furthermore it features an increased vertical stability to prevent hitting the chain stay in very bumpy terrain. No need to worry about your derailleur when taking extremely technical trails at high speed. Your derailleur will be steady and perform its tasks flawlessly.

This XTR deraileur has a modern, technical appearance characterized by a slightly redesigned “X”-shaped outer plate and a full carbon cage that combines a lightweight design with superior rigidity. The weight has been reduced to 180 grams that makes it the lightest derailleur in the Shimano range.

RD-M972 features a crisp shift feeling and the cable routing has been shortened since less cable simply means less friction for improved response. It will be available in a short cage and a long cage version, in Top-Normal design exclusively for a perfect set-up with Shimano’s popular Rapidfire Plus shifters.

Shimano will continue to offer the current Low-Normal and Top-Normal XTR rear derailleurs so more choice than ever since XTR is “Engineered for the way you ride”!